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The battle of the best offensive line and the best defensive line in America headlined the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between 14-0 Washington and 14-0 Michigan. Michigan’s rushing attack went over 300 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead the Wolverines to their first title since 1997.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Michigan started the game with the ball and wasted no time going 84 yards down the field, scoring on a 41-yard touchdown run from running back Donovan Edwards to make it 7-0 just five minutes in.
Washington answered with a 25-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 contest, but Michigan had another 80+ yard scoring drive right after that. This time, the Wolverines went 86 yards in just four plays, ending with a 46-yard run from Edwards, his second touchdown of the night and the second and third longest touchdown runs in a College Football Playoff game.
On their next possession, Michigan would make it a 17-3 game on a 31-yard field goal from James Turner early in the second quarter. The Huskies would finally find the endzone right before the half to go into the locker room down 17-10 and get the ball to start the second half.
On their first possession of the second half, Michael Penix Jr threw a costly interception to take away every once of momentum Washington had. However, the Husky defense stood up and held Jim Harbaugh’s offense to a field goal for a 20-10 lead.
Washington added another field goal from Grady Gross to make it 20-13 after three complete quarters from NRG Stadium in Houston.
After several opportunities to tie the game and failing, Michigan got another big score on a 12-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum, his 26th touchdown of the season to make it 27-13 with seven minutes left in the game.
Washington moved the ball down the field, but another interception thrown by Penix was returned 81 yards inside the 10-yard line to put the game away. The Wolverines added another touchdown with Corum getting his second rushing touchdown of the game to make it a 34-13 game with 3:37 remaining.
Michigan ran the clock out and captured their first national championship since 1997 in a 34-13 victory over Washington.
BIG NUMBER: 303
Michigan’s rushing attack was dominant Monday night, using five different ball carriers to get 303 yards on the road. Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum both went over the century mark and both found the endzone as well.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Blake Corum
The superstar running back for the Michigan Wolverines finished off a legendary career with 133 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to win the national championship.